photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence third baseman Ethan Curry starts his swing in a 7-2 win over Sioux Falls-Lincoln on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Lawrence.

Lawrence High baseball started its season with a 7-2 win on Thursday over Sioux Falls-Lincoln High School in Lawrence.

“I’m so proud of them,” coach Adam Green said. “I’m not sure we could’ve scripted a better start from (pitcher) Brice Schwada. He was in the zone and kept the ball down and made it difficult on a pretty good team. I can’t say good enough things about Brice.”

The Lions started 1-0 on their season record and 1-0 with Green as skipper.

“It felt good knowing we made him proud,” catcher Devin Foster said. “It’s the first game for him, so we know it’s a big deal for him.”

Despite some nerves for the Lions before the game, the team came out hot. Schwada threw two strikeouts as the Lions retired the side in the top of the first inning. They then put their first three runners on base before center fielder Josh Galbreath brought in the first run on a sacrifice fly.

Green said the offensive success was largely thanks to Schwada and the defense. The Lions went to the plate with a lead, which helped the batters hit with a clear head.

“It helps that once you get in a groove, you just have to keep your foot on the gas,” Foster said.

Brandt Edmonds hit a single that brought Tristan Prier home for the second run, and Hudson Hardesty later scored the third run on a fielder’s choice. Edmonds, Hardesty and Prier all finished with two hits and were the only Lions to finish with multiple hits.

Lawrence retired the first three batters in the second inning and added to the lead with an RBI single from Prier. He finished with three RBIs, which led the team.

Neither team scored in the third inning, but both got a hit. Galbreath collected two flyouts in the top of the fourth as the defense again retired the side. At the plate in the bottom of the fourth, Schwada started with a walk before third baseman Ethan Curry hit a double. Prier brought two runners in with a single on the next at-bat, and Galbreath later scored the team’s seventh run on a wild pitch.

The Patriots scored their first run of the game in the top of the fifth inning on a single with runners on first and second. Schwada closed the inning with a strikeout — his seventh of the game — with a Lincoln runner on third base.

Schwada finished with three hits in five innings with one walk and seven strikeouts.

“I feel good… excited,” Schwada said. “I’m happy the team worked together. Everyone was ready to play. Everyone played well today.”

Lincoln scored again in the sixth after a passed ball, but relief pitcher Brady Wollesen finished the inning with a strikeout, leaving a Patriots runner stranded on third. The Lions added a walk and a hit in the bottom of the sixth before closing the game with three straight outs in the top of the seventh.

Lawrence will face Sioux Falls-Jefferson on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. for their second game.

Free State starts season with 4-0 win over Sioux Falls-Jefferson

The Free State Firebirds started their season with a 4-0 win over Sioux Falls-Jefferson on Thursday.

Despite not scoring until the fourth inning, the Firebirds loaded the bases in the first three innings. Finally, the Firebirds hit home plate with a double from Finn Moore that brought Cole Wright and Ben Graves home. Andrew Zimmerschied hit an RBI double in the next at-bat to give the Firebirds a 3-0 lead.

Blaine Larkin and the Free State defense continued to hold the Cavaliers scoreless. Larkin finished with five innings pitched, allowing three hits against nine strikeouts. Zane Shaw threw the final two and had four strikeouts to one hit.

The Firebirds scored their fourth run in the bottom of the fifth, with Wesley Cupps scoring on a sacrifice fly from Ryan Weishaar. Free State closed the final two innings with no walks and one hit allowed.

Free State will face Sioux Falls-Lincoln on Friday at 3:15 p.m. at Free State.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence courtesy runner Will Grimes slows down after scoring a run during a 7-2 win over Sioux Falls-Lincoln on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence pitcher Brice Schwada starts his pitch in a 7-2 win over Sioux Falls-Lincoln at Lawrence on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence second baseman Logan Sheldon slows toward first in a 7-2 win over Sioux Falls-Lincoln at Lawrence on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence center fielder Josh Galbreath watches a low pitch in a 7-2 win over Sioux Falls-Lincoln at Lawrence on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence coach Adam Green talks with Ethan Curry during a timeout in Thursday’s 7-2 Lawrence win over Sioux Falls-Lincoln. Green started his tenure as head coach 1-0.